Brynwood Unveils Plan to Create a Year-Round Country Club Community

Project Will Create a Necessary Housing Choice Not Available In This Region

ARMONK, NY (June 8, 2011) -Brynwood Golf & Country Club, Westchester’s newest club, has announced plans to create a year-round country club community featuring residences designed for empty nesters.

The plan, which was formally submitted today to the Town of North Castle, calls for the development of 243 spacious one- and two-bedroom homes and cottages to be located on a portion of the property adjacent to the existing clubhouse and golf course. The clubhouse, which recently underwent extensive interior renovations, would be expanded, including major exterior renovations. The plan also includes construction of new swimming pools, a health club, spa and new tennis courts.

“We’ve created a plan that gives local residents a housing alternative that is popular in other parts of the country but does not yet exist here,” Jim Tinson, CEO of Hart Howerton, said. “Inspired by the rich local architectural heritage and the spectacular landscape, we’ve created a product that allows empty nesters to sell their large homes and downsize right here in their own community without giving up their quality of life or the meaningful relationships they have forged over most of their lives”

Hart Howerton is an international architectural firm renowned for its award-winning designs for golf resort communities. Hart Howerton’s projects include nine of the top 25 resorts on Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 Places to Live, 2009, and seven of America’s Top 10 Golf Communities, according to Travel + Leisure Golf. Regionally, the firm has designed the Westhampton Country Club, the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton and Sebonack Golf Club in Southhampton.

Brynwood has also hired the legendary Rees Jones, the US Open “Doctor”, who is known widely for his renovations of tournament courses including Bethpage Black and Congressional. Mr. Jones will develop a new Master Plan for the 6,350-yard, 18-hole course, stretching it to more than 6,700 yards and par 71. The Brynwood course was originally designed by award-winning golf course architect Albert Zikorus in 1961, who coincidently was a mentor to Rees Jones.

“The new design will attract golfers of all levels,” Rees Jones said. “The course is designed to be fun and challenging to all golfers within a beautiful setting.”

Brynwood is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s preeminent golf management company which manages more than 200 golf courses in 31 states and 26 countries. Brynwood was recently recognized by Troon as one of its top new country clubs.

The new development plan is the next chapter in Brynwood’s dramatic turnaround which began last year when the property, formerly known as the Canyon Club, was acquired. In its first year of operations, the club was renamed Brynwood Golf & Country Club and launched a multi-million dollar renovation and repositioning of the clubhouse and pool area.

As planned, the project is expected to generate a net increase of $3 million to $5 million annually in property tax revenue for the Town and School District with little impact on municipal services and schools. Building permit and recreation fees from the project are projected in excess of $2 million for the Town.

The Byram Hills School District would receive an estimated $2.1 million to $3.5 million in tax revenue annually with the Town receiving $450,000 to $750,000 in annual tax revenue. The high-end luxury residences will be designed and priced for empty nesters and is projected to attract very few families with school-age children.

In addition to its considerable fiscal benefits for the Town and School District, the project will provide a boost to the area economy, creating approximately 300 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs, and generate new business for local merchants in Armonk and its surrounding areas. Beyond these economic benefits, the plan will permanently preserve existing open space by maintaining the existing golf course use.

“Our plan will preserve and enhance a valuable community asset at a time when many area country clubs are struggling to survive,” said Jeffrey B. Mendell, a principal in Brynwood’s ownership and a long-time Armonk resident. “Just as Brynwood Golf & Country Club has redefined the country club experience, this plan will set a new standard of excellence in country club living with magnificently designed residences, a first-class clubhouse and a wealth of new recreational amenities,” he added.

Conveniently located just minutes off I-684 on Route 22 in Armonk, Brynwood Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole, 6,350-yard championship golf course; 9 Har-Tru tennis courts; an outdoor swimming pool, and a spectacular 65,000-square-foot clubhouse. The newly renovated clubhouse features an elegant new lobby and ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests. There is also a sports lounge, a fully equipped gym, a business center and a children’s playroom with a movie theatre and video games. Brynwood’s restaurant also offers outstanding cuisine and includes an outdoor cocktail and dining area overlooking the pool, golf course, surrounding hills and spectacular dramatic sunsets.